Too bad the codec sucks. It's insane to me that in 2015, camera manufacturers are releasing $5000+ 4K cameras that are limited to 100Mbps. That's simply not enough.

@sangye Ive heard varying reports but I think there may be 10-bit 422 out if so with an external recorder its an Fs7 minus 4k 60p. I think optimizing lower end cameras via external recording is just how these Sony is trying to differentiate their different cameras without cannabalizing their product lines. Personally I think the size difference between these cams is enough, they should have really optimized it. However its possible the size necessitated SD cards, which imposes many limitations.

@Sangye

Sometimes you might not need the recorder.. and if you buy a good recorder you can use it for a few years. It has a better longevity than the cams right now. We invested in an Odyssey 7q+ last winter, and that will come in handy, both for recording and monitoring for quite a while still. I hear what you say, wanting something all-in-one but this is just how it is at the moment. A lot of people who shoot with the fs7 opt to record externally (for some stuff) anyway..

They could have done dual card RAID implementation for higher bitrates...

RAID means specific thing, I think here idea is to use just parallel recording and later combine files.

Is it reasonable to suspect Sony may offer (paid, likely) firmware updates for things like higher bitrates, 4k 60p or 10-bit, CineEl, etc in the future to make it just a little bit more like the FS7?

@theconfirmist: only think we can be kinda "sure" is coming is raw to the FS5.

But I wouldn't base a purchase decision now on the FS5's "future raw" possibilities. It might be mind blowing and offered for free/cheap, or it might be horrendously expensive with an borderline unworkable workflow. Or anywhere in between, or some mixture of both. Who knows!! None of us that is what.

Lots of camera options out there, that's for sure. I like the form factor of the fs5. It's a shame they crippled the codec, but I understand Sony's desire to protect the fs7, too. If forced to choose, I'd do the fs5 with external recorder versus the fs7. It seems to be the more flexible, easier-to-run-and-gun option. Of course, I may just update my fs700 and get an external recorder since it appears to feature the same sensor (notwithstanding the odd form factor).

In a perfect world, the URSA mini would offer either Nikon mount, m43 mount, or Sony e-mount. That would make that decision a no-brainer for me. As such, if I upgrade to 4K, it will likely be the Sony route, but I'm not sold quite yet.

Turns out the A7sII is not so improved for my work so I sent it back. Body, button layout, weight are not improved for my work on a TriPod Same Wimpy Battery and USB charging while shooting causes the camera to overheat faster. AutoFocus and AutoISO if improved are still half fast compared to a Nikon DSLR Same 29 minute Video limit. Internal 4k not as good as external, even ProRes LT The clincher was 1080P120 is unusable. It is full of moire in low light do to the 2.2 crop.

I will save my money for a CamCorder with A7s Sensor unless the GH5 can shoot in the dark.